Start-Up (2020)

Not Start-Up, it is more like "Seo Dal-Mi's love life" saved by Kim Seon-Ho a.k.a Han Ji-Pyeong

This is one of those dramas that start off so strong with strong plot line. strong characters and strong themes. The beautiful cinematography and soundtrack just add more to the drama starting off strongly. However, the writing then becomes so sloppy, there is no character development and the main plot seems to get completely side-lined because the writers decided to focus more on the not-so-important aspect just to earn TRP.

The drama was about the journey of young entrepreneurs and their start-up, but the drama looses the plot completely as it heavily starts to focus on the love triangle. The drama starts off as a sister rivalry but ends up being a typical KDrama Rom-Com where no matter how problematic and immature the ML is, he will get everything he wants and never faces the negative consequences of his questionable and immature choices and actions. We are given a FL who starts off as a headstrong, determined person who wants to and will achieve her dreams no matter what but as the drama progresses we get a FL whose character development is going downhill and she is becoming more and more clichéd with questionable choices and losing her strong personality and spirit. The main leads are so sloppily written, there is absolutely no depth to their character arcs. The ML is an Android Robot with only three emotions, that are, sadness, anger and happiness, there is no in between these emotions. He has no strong base for his own character, so if the FL and SML don't exist then the ML's character has no base. The ML's ALL actions and emotions revolve only around the FL and it is pathetic to see this kind of a problematic ML in 2020. No he is NOT an underdog, he literally gets EVERYTHING on a silver platter whereas the SML works hard throughout and is super selfless throughout the drama only to become the punching bag for everyone.

The only few beautifully written character arcs were those of the SML, SFL and the Grandma. Even the AI device had a better development than the main leads. The SML saved the day, I give his character 100/10, he was the only one binding this show, his character growth, development, depth was beautiful to see yet it was sad how writers made him the punching bag of this drama. He was made to suffer so much and he received so much growth but all that went down the drain only because the writer wanted the main leads to be together. The SFL had so much potential, her character could've been written so much better but unfortunately she gets growth only when 5 episodes were remaining. Despite these two characters being the secondary characters, they literally carried the entire drama, these two were the only characters that gave life to the main 'business' aspect of the drama, the main leads were busy romancing and playing the victim card while the secondary characters stole the show.

The drama had a lot of potential but the writer tried to incorporate so many themes and plots that she ended up making a cocktail out of all these sub plots that didn't contribute to the main plot in any way. The writer also disregarded some important plots as if they were nothing after dragging them on for so long and then later used them as plot devices.

Let's go to the acting part. Suzy still is terrible at delivering emotions perfectly. Though there was some improvement in her acting, she still really needs to work on it as I could anyways not connect with her sloppy character but her acting made it more difficult to connect with it. As much as I disliked Nam Joo-Hyuk's character I must say he did a really good job in delivering his role, he made it possible with his acting for people to dislike his character so much. Kudos to Kim Seon-Ho for delivering Han Ji-Pyeong so well. He did a fabulous job. He stole the show, every emotion and every scene was nailed by him, you could so easily connect to his character which was already so beautifully written and brought to life. With the little bit of screen time Kang Han-Na too sole the show. Her character got the development too later in the series but she still stole the show and was fabulous.

All in all, if you have too much time to waste then sure go ahead and watch this mess of a drama, otherwise please save yourself from this big mess of a drama and save your emotions and precious time. There are way too many better dramas for you to watch and you really don't want to get second lead syndrome.

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For all the dreamers, this drama is perfect to you!

My first K drama review this 2021!

I was very excited from the very first start with the article that there will be a new Korean series which Bae Suzy noona is the female lead {because she is my ultimate crush and I admire her for her acting skills since Uncontrollably Fond in 2016 up to Vagabond in 2019}. Since the article started with a "bang" because of the award winning and influential PD and writer, so am much more interested onto this drama and when they announced that Nam Joo Hyuk hyung will be the male lead {I basically wrap up this drama as the "best K drama this 2020". Kim Seon Ho hyung is one of my favorite actor in the industry and I know him very well because he is truly a versatile actor since his first K drama appearance on Chief Kim up to Laughter in Waikiki season 2 and Catch the Ghost in both 2019. Kang Ha Na noona is a new face and name for me but although these main casts are well-casted, I never turned down my expectations to this drama.

Let's start with the plot.
"Business World, "Childhood Memories", "Love for family, friends and the ones who trusted and supported you from the beginning", "Slice of Life", "Romance", "Misunderstanding that turns into reality" and many more depicts the plot.

At the first glimpse of the first episode, I was already amazed by the cinematography and technique for which it was clearly started because the advanced and progressing technology we have even in the Philippines and it basically warms my eyes to see such beautiful scenarios. The first episode was the best pilot episode for me: happiness, guilt, friendship, turns to sadness and also envy. Those emotions were mixed up and it was great to start the drama well.

The OST is very emotional-detailed, every OST is heartwarming, motivates you, sad ones, lovely ones, happy ones. One of the best Korean Drama with the best OST'S {ALL 17 OST'S ARE SO GREAT}.

The cast did their part really-well, I mean at least their very best and the drama was a success. Han Ji Pyeong role which Kim Seon Ho hyung portrayed was the best. The best of the best. Seo In Jae noona which portrayed by Kang Ha Na noona is exceptioanally the best of the best also. Seo Dal Mi noona which portrayed by Bae Suzy noona and Nam Do San which portrayed by Nam Joo Hyuk roles were really extraordinary and their chemistry is on fire. Plus SamSan Tech Chulsan hyung, Yong San hyung and Sa Ha noona.

TEAM START-UP/ SANDBOX IS THE BEST, NEVER DISSAPOINT ME.

THE END WAS BASICALLY EXPECTED BUT IT GIVES ME BOTH GOOSEBUMPS AND WITH FLYING MIND {I NEED A SECOND SEASON FOR MORE MIND-BLOWING WATCHING EXPERIENCE}.

KUDOS TO TEAM START-UP. ONE OF THE BEST KDRAMA IN 2020.

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It's fun and interesting

Give it a try! I personally don't have anything to complain about it. This drama made me smile that much and even cry of happiness. So refreshing. You know the story is good when you celebrate the characters' achievements. Start Up, was fun and that's what the world need right now. Give it a go. All the acting is good. Story is interesting. I don't know why all the angsty remarks. Don't take them too seriously. People like to complain, I guess.
There are many aspects to praise: it deals with a side of business I'd say is unknown to many the writing is well crafted. The acting and the cast could not have been better. Cinematography and some clever plot points made watching enjoyable. It also had some good messages every now and then..

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what a journey

Great up to episode 7.. and then fell drastically. The writers started to throw out good scenes and picked up scenes that don't really make sense. There were so many pointless bits in the plot, so much of the romance story felt forced and the business aspect was so unrealistic. A lot of the things in this drama are things we should not take for life.
If it weren't for Han Ji Pyeong, this drama would not have a backbone and it would not have been a drama. Yet, the writers had to make this character suffer up to the last episode and even the ending was near terrible. How could one be that selfless for that long? I thought the character was supposed to be smart. It didn't make sense.
The writer should have given Nam Joo Hyuk the character of Han Ji Pyeong...that would have made more sense. How could the writers make the second lead character seem so much like the main lead, only to force viewers to believe the main couple is meant to be (probably from the actors' popularity)?

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An inspirational watch that reminds you to dream big

The first episode set up the plot beautifully. The stunning cinematography and the poetic lines from Dal Mi's letters were very much heartfelt and gave you a good reason to root for her. What was even sweeter were the scenes between our good boy Ji-pyeong and the grandma. It was after their meeting when a simple favor turned into an eternal debt that brought all the characters together. I think what I learned in the pilot was that everyone needs somebody to lean on, even the strongest and surest of people. You have no idea what you can mean to a person, and that is what makes human connection special.

The first few episodes were pretty engaging, and you'll find yourself wanting everyone to find their path of success. I'm not a fan of the tired "withhold the truth from the protagonist to protect them" cliche, and I feel like this show stretched it out way too far. The minute Dal Mi figured out Ji-pyeong and Do San had the same handwriting, the truth should have been revealed. Also I'm not the biggest fan of Ji-pyeong but I do think he's the best actor out of the entire cast. My heart is owned by Nam Joo Hyuk's character. He really waltzed into the show like a dream and I'll always remember him that way. I love the way he's written. He's so cute and awkward and unsure but I find it realistic and endearing. He IS the smart guy everyone thinks he is, he just lacks confidence and doesn't trust himself to follow through. I think he relied on Ji-pyeong a little too much, and his character has flaws, of course, but he is a good character, at least to me. I'm rooting for Dal-Mi and Do San. Idk why but I just can't picture the FL with a good boy. The side characters are cute and add the lightheartedness the show needs at times.

Overall good show. There's nothing mind-blowing about this drama but it's a good watch if you're looking for something light-hearted and engaging enough to keep your interests. 9/10

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Downhill

Initially this kdrama was so touching and the production was absolutely stunning, along with the OSTs. However, after the first few episodes it went downhill very very very quickly. Although it was fun to see others comment and discuss the complicated character of dosan, it was overall frustrating to watch and not satisfying whatsoever. If you want to feel angry every now and then, come to this drama. If you want something light-hearted or something that makes sense, please do skip this immediately. The main characters become very weak and dreamers who base their decisions too heavily on emotion. They make the realistic and self-made person (HJP) a villain by accusing him of murder and allsorts of terrible things. It truly makes the normal, regular, truthful person appear to be someone that people should despise. I honestly don't know what this kdrama was trying to teach us, but I'm glad many people realised that dosan is manipulative, has anger issues and needs therapy asap. Peace out

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DISAPPOINTING - You will hate yourself for watching this because of SML ending

-Honestly I have no clue what I just watched. Watching these episodes felt like a chore because they were trying to push DoDal down our throats. There was no chemistry between the characters!!!! Literally none at all! The relationship was built on lies and Nam Do San never stopped lying!! He just kept building up on them!

-Han Jipyeong was the only reason why I finished this show! His character made me feel so much and Kim SeonHo did an amazing job playing him. I felt all of his emotions and cried a lot because of him. His scenes were the only thing that was enjoyable in this drama! All we wanted was a happy ending for him but the writer did us dirty!! I MEAN WHAT EVEN WAS THAT AWKWARD HUG WITH HIM AND DO SAN?!

-Jipyeong and Dalmi had sooooo much chemistry!! It was crazy like a single scene made me fangirl more than any scene with Do San!

-The cast is so amazing and honestly I’m so sad that they did this with this show! The concept was good but they did all the characters I liked dirty so I hate it and will NEVER WATCH IT AGAIN!!

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Writers betrayed viewers

The problem with this series was an excellent pilot episode and episodes till 4., Where everything was perfect and pulled in many viewers as the story and characters of grandma and Han Ji Pyeong And his letters to Dalmi pull your heart strings.
It slowly went down hill towards episode 11 onwards and 13 and 14 episodes writer used as bait and click for Han Jipyeong and jidal shippers for ratings with scenes specially designed to attract shippers and in 15 make a mockery of those viewers by introducing the fall catch scene between salmi and HJP . Looks like they did dirt on HJP in 16!having portrayed him as someone who
Needed apologizing to dosan , it is other way round.

Dalmi in the beginning was a promising young entrepreneur at the end she became a damsel in distress who cannot succeed on her own without dosan , while standing next to her elder sister who succeeded twice without needing a man

15, 16 is Unwatchable As an HJP fans . Basically message an orphan kid who became a decent human being will be unacknowledged and ridiculed even after selflessly giving through the series. I just watched two scenes in 16 , grandma and HJP and Yongshil cameo and ended my series with the scenes of HJP smiling warmly with his office staff .

If the writer mocks users then that series should not derange recognition but just because she gave HJP , I will ask people to watch first few episodes and switch to YouTube to just snippets of KSH

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FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS.

This is not the same old drama you see every year. This has a different story. No one in real life doesn’t end up with their first love. At least not everyone. We grow up, we learn things, we find new partners, we learn from our mistakes, we wake up from our dreams and we actually start to follow our dreams. This is not for the people who only dream. This is for people who dream and work to make that dream into a reality. And this is not only about love. This drama teaches us so many things rather than love. If you are only focusing on love, you might miss those inspiring stories. Actually, I grew up with the drama, with their lives. I learned how to be someone from nothing. How to stand up for yourself, how to create a place for yourself in society, how you be your own version and, how to be unique. Most importantly how to be YOU. At the end, someone will love YOU for who YOU are. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS NO MATTER WHAT. This is so inspiring for today’s youth. I can’t thank you enough to the entire cast and crew of this drama for giving us this wonderful drama.

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Spoilers. Why did they do this?¿?¿?¿?

Why that rating? Well...

First, the story of the drama begins with the Seo family showing how it is destroyed in a short time, leaving as a big problem that two sisters became separated. After that ONLY episode, they never gave importance to the family problem that existed, they only put very short scenes because what mattered most was the TRIANGLE OF LOVE.

Second, to focus too much on TRIANGLE OF LOVE because it was not only the problem to focus on that, but to sell in the first episodes that DM was firmly in love with the DS of the cards (JP), to show JP in the first episode as the protagonist, And after all that, DM throws it all away. For the people who complain about us that we "focus" on couples, I remind you that practically the series focused on the TRIANGLE OF LOVE not only in the first 10 episodes but they did it UNTIL THE END, so tell me why look at the couples, if it's the only thing they showed?

Third, the mismanagement of their characters, please, the only thing I knew about Injae was that she was DM's sister and that she had problems with her stepfather, they never showed their point of view (Maybe only 2 or 3 times?). Injae deserved more scenes and more character development, they literally put her aside when she should have had the same time as DM because after all the rivalry between the two was important ... or at least it was in 2 episodes. I will never forgive Injae for not seeing his grandmother in not just 15 years but 19 years, did I stay? ? ? Injae saw her when she was ALREADY BLIND.

Well, in the end it was all disgusting. JP didn't deserve that, I mean the story is so badly told that I think none of the other characters knew he was an orphan, they don't know how he got to DM's grandmother's house, in all the SST episodes I despise work . When JP practically WANTED TO SAVE THEM, DM doesn't fully know all the things he did for her. I think it's a waste that JP has done so much to get a PLANT and LETTERS (which DS wanted to keep) and all for somo STUPID HANDS. I'd rather have JP at some point become a villain than continue giving everything for others and not being valued.

I never insult the actors, I only criticize the story and the CHARACTERS, I know that the actors don't do this in one day, they all did a good job. But clearly the problem was the people who wrote and directed this.

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